Prepare Crystal & Container
Find a plastic container just slightly bigger than the crystal. The box should provide a snug fit while still leaving about 1/2″ of space on each side to create a strong, durable mold that can be used again and again. You can use plastic or plastic lined items such as reusable food containers, yogurt cups or milk containers cut to size. Place the crystal into the container. TIP: Depending on the weight of your crystal, you may or may not need to glue it down to the bottom of your plastic container.
Use An Object To Create An Impression
Im using a wooden snowflake ornament to make an impression. The instructions for the putty do say that some items may contain sulfur or stearates, which can inhibit curing. Soaps, for example. If the item youre using to make an impression has one of these, just coat it with acrylic spray to seal it first. The instructions also recommend testing a small piece of putty on the item first, but I skipped that.
I quickly pressed the snowflake down into the silicone until I was happy with the placement. Then I took a knife and cut out around the snowflake just to make the mold look a bit more professional. I left the snowflake in the putty for the entire cure time, which is 25 minutes. Actually I left mine in for a bit longer because I was working on something else.
I was really impressed with how quickly the putty began to solidify. They arent kidding when they say it has a 3-minute working time. And between 4 and 25 minutes, it solidifies completely. Pretty amazing.
Want more resin projects? Check out my epoxy resin paint pour for beginners tutorial and my tips on whether to use a shiny or matte silicone mold for resin projects.
Silicone Molds For Resin Valuable Tips And Tricks
- If it is too expensive for you to build a wooden frame in advance, then there is a very simple alternative. Take a base plate made of smooth planed wood and then place a frame made of Lego bricks which you glue to the plate. With this you are absolutely flexible in size and shape. When sealing and later pouring in the silicone you proceed in the same way as with a wooden frame.
- The optimal room temperature for drying silicone is between 18° and 22° C. If the temperature is higher, the material may clump because it dries too quickly. If the room temperature is lower than 18° C, the drying process is unnecessarily prolonged.
- Another little trick if you are unsure how much silicone you actually need: Build the wooden frame as described and fix your blank to the base plate. Now fill the mold with rice until it is about one centimetre higher than the object. Since the weight of the rice corresponds approximately to the required amount of silicone, you only have to weigh it now.
- An important tip at the end: In order not to lose the joy of your project at the beginning, first plan a relatively simple form and take your time for the implementation. Gradually you can increase the level of difficulty.
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Best Resin Mold Ideas + Diy Mold For Epoxy Recipe
Mold for epoxy is an integral part of molding and casting resin. The silicone molds come in all shapes, sizes, and with various patterns to produce the desired finished product. In this blog post, I will go over the most interesting and bestselling molds youve seen on popular tutorials, as well as how to make a DIY mold for epoxy jewelry or craft project that doesnt require expensive mold making equipment.
Table of content:
Does Hobby Lobby Sell Resin Molds
The Hobby Lobby in my town does not sell resin molds, so I had to look online. Two of the most popular places for DIY mold makers are Etsy and eBay, but I also found some options on Amazon.
Since it is such a variety available, it can be difficult to determine which sites will have what you need at reasonable prices without wasting time or money buying unnecessary items.
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How To Pour Resin Into Molds
If you have decided to start working with epoxy resin, then you have landed on the right page. Resin casting can be a fun and relaxing activity. Not to mention the feelings you get when you finish a DIY project and everyone admires it.
I still remember my first piece of art, a necklace with a red carnation embedded inside. Later on, I gave it as a gift to my mother. Not only was she impressed, but she also encouraged me to keep up with my new passion.
From the very first beginning, I wanted to create something unique. Truth be told I failed! And not only once, but three times. And that was because I couldnt find the correct information about everything it means to work with epoxy resin. Thats why I decided to share with you guys some tips & tricks on how to pour the resin into molds. Lets get started!
Different Types Of Resin Molds
Instructions for making a mold with EasyMold Silicone Putty:
Preparing the surface
Since the surface of these wood buttons are rough and porous, we coated them with a sealer. Using a paintbrush, apply a coat of liquid glue over the surface of the wood button.
If the glue settles at the top of the buttonhole, poke it with a toothpick.
Take time ensuring all crevices are coated and then when the glue is dry, turn buttons over and seal the other side. Allow glue to dry fully before proceeding with the silicone putty.
Creating the Mold
EasyMold Silicone Putty has 3 minutes of working time at regular room temperature, which means you need to work quickly. Read the instructions on the packaging prior to starting any resin project.
Mix only enough to make one mold at a time. Measure equal sized amounts of components A & B.
For these 3 long driftwood buttons, my components were each about two tablespoons each.
Quickly knead together the components until it is a uniform color, free of any swirls. This process takes about a minute.
Roll the kneaded components into a ball and then flatten so you have enough to wrap fully around the sides of the driftwood button.
Press putty firmly around the button.
Leave the button inside the mold for about 25 minutes while it cures. Remove the button and the mold is ready to be used!
Were looking forward to making our beautiful coastal-inspired resin buttons.
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Get Your Project Ready To Pour
Level the mold on the worktable. If required, place the mold on wooden blocks to allow access to the bottom of the mold for clamping wood slabs or other embedded objects. Adjust level as necessary with wood shims, washers, or other items available in your shop space.
Next, you can add your wood slab or embedded item to the mold cavity. Be sure to clamp down the object to avoid having it float during the casting process. Use a block of wood covered in sheathing tape between the wood and the clamp, to ensure the clamp does not bond to your project.
Warning: If your wood slab is warped, excessive clamping force can cause the mold to warp as well. Adding a stiffener, like a second thickness of mdf, to the base will help prevent the mold from twisting.
When Can I Take Resin Out Of Mold
When you take resin out of the mold, it will be hard. However, it does not mean that once you have done this step, your work is complete.
In fact, if your goal was to make a small keychain or something similar from epoxy resin, there are still some steps left for completing your project.
First and foremost, before handing over the finished product to clients or friends who would like to use them as gifts someday in future
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How To Use A Mold For Epoxy
WARM TIPS FOR SILICONE RESIN MOLDS:
2. Always wait till the piece is fully cured before de-molding. Even if the epoxy or cement needs only 10-25 min to set, it doesnt mean the project is ready to leave the mold. Wait for 24 hours!
3. When de-molding, you can use a resin release spray and let it dry in the silicone mold to help extend the life of your molds. If you dont have it, you can use a baby wipe or a drop of soap water as a release agent, then work your way down to the silicone resin mold and push the project from the bottom.
4. Clean the silicone molds with soapy water or rubbing alcohol when necessary, then wipe dry with a soft cloth. Dont soak them.
5. Keep the resin silicone mold away from direct sunlight, dust, and fire. Some silicone molds are freeze and microwave-resistant.
Make Resin Use With Bought Dice Molds
Ensure a clean working area before beginning. Have all the equipment you will need handy and choose the type of dice you want to make. Once you have chosen the type of dice, you can purchase the mold of choice.
Suggestions of where to find it online include:
- Etsy
- Amazon
- AliExpress
Note: Rather purchase a good quality mold than a cheaper mold casting where you are not sure of the outcome.
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What Can Be Used As A Mold For Epoxy Resin
In order to best use epoxy resin, a mold needs to be created. The most effective material for this is polyurethane rubber.
It can also be used with RTV silicone or latex molds if the user doesnt have access to a vacuum chamber.
For flash curing, an ultraviolet lightbox can be added for optimal results and shorter cycle times in production runs of parts.
Negative Forms Without Original Form
In this technique, the silicone is placed in a basin or bowl containing a mixture of detergent and water. There it becomes a malleable mass with which the blank is enclosed. The silicone mass should not be used too sparingly, otherwise the form becomes unstable and brittle.
Think of an opening to remove the object or a place that can be cut open after curing.
Images: Van Rossen / JLORTIZ / shutterstock.com
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Supplies You Need For The Production Of Silicone Molds For Resin
If you want to make a silicone mold yourself, the type of your project determines the exact material requirements. The following list is based on a negative mold with an original mold:
Best Silicone Mold making Kits Recommendations
Your creativity is your only limitation when it comes to creating your own silicone molds. If you want to make a silicone mold yourself, the nature of your project will determine the exact material requirements. The following list is based on creating a negative mold with an original mold or template:
Best Value for Money: INCREDIBLE SOLUTIONS Silicone Mold-Making Kit
This silicone mold-making kit contains two components that, when combined, will result in a yellow, non-toxic rubber silicone material. This product produces no odor and is very easy to use. With a simple mixing ratio of 1:1, the two parts of this kit are easy to combine. You should mix the components together thoroughly for 5 minutes, after which you will have another 5 minutes with which to mold and shape the silicone.
- Make Your Own Silicone Molds, Easy 1:1 Mix Ratio
- Compatible With Epoxy Resin, Casting Resin & Other Sculpting & Casting Mediums
- Safe & Easy To Use, Food Grade Once Cured, No Need For Mixing Cups, Stir Sticks, Etc
- the item to be reproduced
How To Clean Your Molds Tutorial
With our tips you will get the silicone mold back in perfect condition.
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Working With Epoxy Resin
For working with epoxy resin, the resin and a corresponding hardener are the basic requirements. Depending on which project you want to devote yourself to, other materials such as different color pigments will be added. Often polished silicone molds are also needed. There are practically no limits to creativity when it comes to shaping: Cubes, balls, pyramids, stars, hearts, flowers, coasters and all kinds of figures. Anything is possible and can be filled with epoxy resin to create beautiful works of art or gifts.
In the form of your choice you give the finished epoxy resin mixture. Either we use the mixture crystal clear, or colored with liquid colors or pigments. You can then add various elements such as glitter, stones, shells, flowers, etc. if you wish. After hardening, carefully remove your finished work from the mold.
Demolding Of The Dice
Demold your dice casting only once the resin has been fully cured. If proper curing hasnt occurred yet, it will be sticky. In this case, put the casting in the refrigerator overnight. Hopefully, the stickiness will be gone the next day and your result will be a success. If it should remain sticky, you will have to discard it and make a new dice. Remove the dice carefully. Should the silicone mold tear, you wont be able to use it again.
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How To Build A Box For Mold Making
When you’re making custom molds, a simple box is the most effective way to contain the silicone. The box can be made from objects around the house, like a milk carton or a plastic container, or you can build one out of plexiglass, cardboard or foam core. Whether you use a ready made box or you build your own, make sure your mold box checks off the following:
- it’s sturdy
- it has a plastic lined interior so that your mold pulls away with ease
- it’s big enough to leave enough some space around your object
We’re going to show you a couple of quick and easy options using objects from around the house or if you prefer to DIY it, we’ll show you how to build your own custom mold.
Let’s get started!
How To Make Silicone Molds Without Template
To make the silicone formable for this type of processing, pour the mixture into a bowl containing a mixture of water and detergent. Then enclose the prepared blank with the now flexible silicone. Make sure to use sufficient mass. If you are too sparing with the silicone at this point, your mold will later become brittle and unstable.
If you want to make a silicone mold in this way, dont forget that the mold must have an opening at the end through which the object can be removed. Alternatively, the mold can be cut open at one point after hardening.
Bilder: Van Rossen / JLORTIZ / shutterstock.com
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Add Your Sparkles Or Items
Now is the time to add in any kind of sparkles or flower petals, paper, etc. Whatever you had in mind to add in, you can do it in this step, as the first layer will cure it into the resin and hold it steady for the next layer.
They will need to cure for around 4 hours. Cover your molds to keep them totally free from dust, pet paws, and more as they are curing! Most importantly, dont touch!
How Do You Make Mold For Resin
When creating a resin mold, a three-dimensional object is used to give shape to the mold. This object is called a model. Complex resin molds are made by placing a model in a container and pouring clear rubber around the object. After the rubber dries, it can be cut into two pieces, each piece resulting in a mold for one half of a resin piece.
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How To Make Silicone Molds Mold Making For Resin And Other Materials
February 8, 2020Categorie: DIY Projects, Guide
Making objects or art objects from epoxy resin requires not only a sense of proportion, creativity and a skilled hand. The right negative forms are also essential. But what if you lack the molds for your project and they are not available on the market? In our article you will learn how you can produce your own individual silicone mold with relatively little effort.
